James has been back for more than a week. It's hard to believe
now that he was away for two weeks. What's been happening? Tom came down on
Friday night for the weekend. He hadn't been here since the summer. He's adjusted
well to being an uncle!

Mary left on Tuesday, came back on Thursday, left on Friday again.
I've had lots of time with Christopher. He's even been on my lap whilst I've
done some work on the computer, but everything takes much longer! One of Mary's
godfathers sent her money to buy some champagne, so we toasted Christopher on
Sunday. Thank you Chris!

The boar pigs went on Tuesday. They had to go all the way up to
Cinderford. We borrowed Neil's trailer and they looked quite snug and happy
in it. I did feel a pang though as I rubbed behind their ears before they left.
Pat and his brother took them.

Nothing much has happened on the farm. Just the usual busy routine
things. Everything needs feeding now, even out in the fields. Andrew should
be off in a few days, and then the heifers that are keeping him company in Slade
can go down with the bullocks in the wood.

It was the Christmas meal and entertainment in Trebullett Chapel
hall on Friday. This year it was the men's turn to do the cooking and serving
and the women's to do the entertainment. Fortunately James hasn't cottoned on
to the fact that virtualy all the other men get their wives to do their share
of the cooking. James made a realy good chocolate mousse and a pan of mashed
potatoe.

James helping with the washing up. Fortunately he took some
pictures with the lens cap on, so there is no record of me making a fool of
myself in flippers, mask and snorkel with a collapsing umbrella! It was a good
evening.

Saturday was the most glorious day. We were sitting outside
for coffee. It has been clear and bright with wonderful sunsets followed by
bright starlight.

Sunday afternoon, Neil's youngest, Georgia, was christened.
James is godfather. We went back to their farm for a feast of their delicious
ham and beef and pasties.